Pakistan joins 16 nations to condemn deadly Israeli attack on Gaza hospital

The countries have urged Israel to stop attacks on civilians and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without restrictions. They also warned that continued attacks and limits on essential supplies are worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Deadly Israeli strike kills patients and injures dozens

The Israeli airstrike hit the surgery ward of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis early Thursday, killing at least six Palestinians and injuring nearly 30 others. Among those killed was a 13-year-old boy, making the attack one of the deadliest single strikes since Israel’s elections last month.

The Israeli military claimed that it carried out an “aerial strike to eliminate the threat they posed, after the Hamas had established a presence within the hospital complex and used it as a command centre”. However, the attack has drawn strong criticism from several countries over the safety of patients and medical workers.

Pakistan and 16 countries issue joint condemnation

According to a joint statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the foreign ministers of 17 countries condemned the Israeli attack in the “strongest terms”. These countries include Pakistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates.

The statement said the attack “caused casualties among patients and medical personnel, in violation of international humanitarian law, which affords special protection to medical facilities and healthcare workers”. The countries also criticised continued Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, including strikes on tents and other places where displaced families are taking shelter.

The joint statement warned that such attacks were weakening the ceasefire and efforts to bring peace and stability to Gaza. It said these actions were also inconsistent with US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan.

Restrictions on humanitarian aid worsen Gaza crisis

The 17 countries expressed serious concern over Israeli restrictions on humanitarian assistance and essential supplies. These include tents, caravans, mobile homes, medical equipment and other materials needed by displaced Palestinians.

The statement warned that the shortage of proper shelter and the worsening condition of water, sanitation and healthcare services were putting civilian lives at serious risk. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable as winter approaches and freezing temperatures could cause further deaths.

“Inadequate shelter and deteriorating water, sanitation and healthcare services put civilian lives at grave risk, particularly those of children and infants, who could once again die from exposure to freezing temperatures,” it said.

Countries demand ceasefire and unrestricted aid delivery

The countries urged Israel to respond to international appeals and requests from the Board of Peace to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza. They also called on Israel to fully implement its responsibilities under the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement.

The joint statement stressed that “Israel must uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians and medical facilities, and ensure the safe, sustained and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities, including shelter and early recovery supplies and equipment to restore essential infrastructure”.

The countries said Gaza urgently needs medical supplies, shelter materials and equipment to repair damaged infrastructure. They stressed that humanitarian assistance must reach people safely and continuously without unnecessary restrictions.

The joint statement shows growing international concern over the situation in Gaza. The attack on Nasser Hospital has again raised questions about the safety of patients, medical workers and displaced families.

The coming winter could make conditions even worse if shelter, food and medical supplies remain limited. Protecting civilians and allowing uninterrupted humanitarian aid will be important for improving the situation and maintaining the ceasefire.

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